Last year, I received a hat that was personalized with my logo.  I was quite surprised by how cool it looked and I started wearing it.  I ordered some to distribute to my homeschool students and then soon I was getting requests from other people who wanted to place an order for a hat. 
I did not seriously pursue the idea of selling anything until I realized that it could be a great way to give back. The first thought that came to my mind was finding an organization that helps children with Down Syndrome. ​

My student, Ben, is 10 years old and he has Down Syndrome.  When I first started coaching Ben about 18 months ago he just wanted to putt but now he has become more of a well-rounded golfer and we are currently working towards playing in the Special Olympics.  
After speaking with Ben's mother, I learned that Gold Coast Down Syndrome has been a tremendous resource for their family.  I then contacted the organization with my idea and recently received approval to move ahead with raising funds.
​Now, with the help of someone smarter than me, I was able to create three additional golf-themed characters.  Each of them is available in a youth polo or t-shirt.   ​​

Jayda and Vrishti (second place finish) are amazing examples of dedicated junior golfers.  They are both willing to come early in the morning for their golf lessons, sometimes before the sun is up and they are very committed to their academics.  I firmly believe their efforts will yield college scholarships.  I am honored to be their golf coach.

When is the best time for your junior golfer to start playing tournaments?  When they are ready.  I assess readiness differently for each of my students because they are unique.  It is not about age it is truly about confidence in their game and their ability to make decisions on the course. 

I have been teaching Mateo since he was 5 years old, after a year I encouraged his mother to register him for local tournaments and then this past summer he joined the PGA Jr. League.  He was the youngest player on the team but he played his heart out and his teammates loved having him around.  

When I learned that the South Florida PGA Junior Golf tournament series had added the Junior Links Tour, I was excited to discuss this option with his mother.  The Links Tour  makes individual Jr. PGA Tournament play accessible to golfers ages 6-8.  The series of 9-hole events expanded into Palm Beach County this weekend with its first tournament at Johnathan's Landing-Old Trail this past Sunday. 

Mateo persevered through some extremely windy conditions on the front nine of the Hills Course (1,895 yards).  He overcame some struggles on the first four holes to close with a 45 and a first place finish.  I could not be more proud.  He has won other tournaments before but this one was special because it was his first PGA Tournament. 

As June comes to an end and July starts, I am honored to have the privilege to coach junior golfers.  While many recreational players in Florida are avoiding the hot and humid conditions of the golf course in the summer, a number of my junior students are in involved in leagues and playing in tournaments.  They are even scheduling their vacations around their golf commitments.  

Whether it be the JGFA, U.S. Kids or PGA offerings like the Prep Tour and Junior League, my students have chosen have elected to test their skills on the course and play with other young golfers this summer.  I am inspired by their dedication and I am awed by their willingness to learn from every experience that is placed in front of them.  

Sadly, I cannot be present at so many events to see them in action but I am thankful for the parents who send me pictures and videos.  Knowing that they are out playing, having fun and doing their best makes me happy.  

If you are new to golf you may be wondering if you should start with a group lesson or a private lesson.  Both are great options.  If you are social and want to make some golf friends while learning then a group lesson is for you.  I have been teaching a Ladies Group Class for over a year now and it is a lot of fun not only for me but for the ladies.  They not only learn golf together but they laugh together and of course they challenge each other when they play on the course together. 

Group lessons are also a great way to introduce children to golf.  I teach a number of the junior classes that are offered at Okeeheelee Golf Course on Saturday as well as the Homeschool Group Golf on Tuesday at Park Ridge and I have found that most kids who try, stick with it because they get better each week.  

When I teach in a group setting, I provide instructions to the group as a whole but then I do my best to provide individual feedback to each student.  At times, I notice some real talent and I may speak to the parent about adding a private lesson to their schedule. During a private lesson, I can provide specific coaching based on the student's abilities but it is more costly than a series of group lessons.   The additional cost does come with the added benefit of a faster progression of learning.   

Many of my junior students participate in a weekly group class and schedule private lessons on a regular basis.  If the junior has aspirations of playing to earn a college scholarship, private lessons are always beneficial.  As for my adult students, most prefer private lessons.  

In my mind, how you get started with golf is not important, making the choice to get started is the real decision.  Everything else will fall into place the way it should.  Please reach out to me if you have specific questions or concerns.